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Firefighters responded to a fire at the Tropicana Atlantic City this week. And they discovered that the blaze was started by a makeshift methamphetamine lab in one of the property’s hotel rooms. The person who rented the hotel room is the only one who’s been charged in the crime so far. The State Police Hazardous […]

Firefighters responded to a fire at the Tropicana Atlantic City this week. And they discovered that the blaze was started by a makeshift methamphetamine lab in one of the property’s hotel rooms.

The person who rented the hotel room is the only one who’s been charged in the crime so far.

The State Police Hazardous Material Response team was called in to handle the meth-making materials after firefighters put out the blaze. The incident happened on the 44th floor of the Tropicana’s West Tower.

More on the Tropicana Meth Lab Suspect

Michael Pillar, an Ocean County, NJ resident, was arrested by police after they determined that he rented the hotel room. Pillar was also the only one hurt the in the fire. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment after his arrest.

Police found Pillar with two other people on Pacific Avenue and took them all into custody. According to the Press of Atlantic City, the other two individuals haven’t been charged in the crime so far.

Firefighters didn’t find anybody in the room when they arrived on the scene. And they were able to contain the fire to the math lab room, although several other West Tower floors were evacuated because of smoke.

Pillar Charged and Awaiting Trial

Pillar has been charged with maintaining a dangerous substance production facility, criminal mischief, and possession of methamphetamines.

Police were called in once the Atlantic City Fire Dept. discovered that there was a meth lab in the hotel room.

“The safety of our guests and employees is our No. 1 priority at Tropicana Atlantic City. Only a few rooms were affected by the fire. Hotel rooms have been professionally inspected and cleared to go back online tomorrow,” said Tropicana Atlantic City General Manager Steve Callender.

Tropicana surveillance footage picked up the individuals who left the room when the fire started. The video identified a woman and two men, one of whom was Pillar.